Rogers Stephen, Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University (CDU), led a delegation to visit Hainan University (HNU) on March 20. Vice Presidents Li Buhong and Yue Wen met with the delegation at the Administration Building and Office of International Cooperation and Exchange respectively. Two sides reached a broad consensus on deepening research collaboration, faculty and student exchanges, and cultural engagement.

Vice President Li Buhong extended a heartfelt welcome to the CDU delegation. He reviewed the decade-long partnership between the two universities, highlighting the achievements in the areas such as tropical agriculture, ecological protection and marine science since the joint establishment of the CDU Confucius Institute in 2012. Li emphasized HNU’s commitment to internationalization, particularly within the framework of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) Initiative, and expressed hopes to expand cooperation, notably joint education programs, collaborative research platforms, and innovation in digital education.

Meeting venue

Vice President Yue Wen reaffirmed that internationalization remains a strategic priority for HNU. He emphasized unique opportunities for global academic partnerships under the Hainan FTP Initiative and urged more efforts to synergize the strengths of both universities, with a view to helping students cultivate global competence and promoting mutual development in teaching, research, and academic exchanges.

Meeting venue

Rogers Stephen thanked HNU for its hospitality and lauded the long-standing bilateral cooperation that has contributed to the research on sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. As a leading academic institution in Australia’s Northern Territory, CDU has long focused on tropical and arid-region studies, which aligns closely with HNU’s academic strengths. Stephen also underscored the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering research cooperation. He cited the successful co-hosting of the 2024 Board Meeting of CDU Confucius Institute and the HNU’s Coconut Breeze and Sea Charm Orchestra’s performances at CDU as examples of how cultural exchanges can invigorate scientific collaboration.

During the discussions, scholars from both universities explored joint research opportunities, including the development of tropical agroforestry resources, marine ecosystem protection, and indigenous cultural studies. Prof. Chengyuan (Stephen) Xu from CDU’s Faculty of Science and Technology noted that Hainan’s unique geographical advantages provide an ideal natural laboratory for cross-border research and suggested applying for the establishment of joint research projects. Associate Dean Liu Wenjie from HNU’s School of Ecology proposed leveraging CDU’s expertise in environmental policy research to support the development of Hainan’s National Ecological Civilization Pilot Zone.

Exchanging souvenirs

The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs which are representative of local culture. HNU presented CDU with a handcrafted coconut shell carving, while CDU reciprocated with an Aboriginal art piece.

Group photo before HNU’s Office of International Cooperation and Exchange

Representatives from HNU’s Research Development Office, Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, School of Ecology, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, School of Marine Biology and Fisheries, and heads of relevant departments participated in the talks.

Translated by Han Yunsheng

Proofread by Kuang Xiaowen, Yang Jie